Weapon alert system and method

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a device, system, and associated method useful in alerting and warning an individual or another before the individual activates a weapon such as a gun, a Taser, or the like, by emitting a signal, which could be a vibration, noise, or other indicator to act as a message or to provide the individual with an opportunity to consider the consequences of activating the weapon. The signal may be activated when the weapon is removed or is being removed from a holster or other holding device. The removal of the weapon from the holding device may be detected by using magnets, switches, or another known method. The device may also be able to be turned off manually, such as if in a shooting range or in practice.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/231,102, filed Jun. 25, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a signaling device associated with a weapon.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Recently, there have been many cases of high profile police shootings in the news and it seems as though there should be a simple way to avoid them. In many of these incidents, analysts including police experts have commented that while these shootings have occurred in the heat of a situation where the police officer may well fear for his safety, that if the police officer had just had an extra brief moment, perhaps just a split second, to analyze the situation, the police officer may not have pulled the trigger of his firearm or Taser. For example, in South Carolina on Apr. 4, 2015, a man named Walter Scott was shot and killed by a police officer named Michael Slager. Officer Slager shot Mr. Scott multiple times in the back as Mr. Scott was running away from the officer. Many analysts have commented that this death could have been avoided if Michael Slager had just thought a little bit more about the potential consequences before pulling the trigger. Perhaps the officer would have chosen instead to chase the suspect, shoot a warning shot, or aim at the fleeing individual's legs instead of his back.

The present invention is directed to overcoming this issue by providing a possible weapon user with a reminder of the potential consequences.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to providing positive indication to a user, through use of a signaling device, that a weapon is being or has been removed from its holder. The system of the present invention recognizes when a weapon has been or is being removed from a holding device and a possible user may be about to activate the weapon. The signaling device is able to send an alarm signal to the individual via a visual, tactile, audible or other method. The intention of the alarm signal is to make the individual rethink the consequences of activating the weapon and consider how important and necessary a shot may be. The invention could be used with guns, Tasers, or other weapons.

In another embodiment, in addition to or as an alternative to an alarm, a delay factor can be automatically inserted. That is, upon initial attempt to fire, the weapon would be precluded from firing for some defined time period, such as five seconds.

An additional benefit of the device of the present invention is that it functions independently from who removes the weapon from its holder. If a person removes a weapon from another person's holding device, the signal produced by the device may make the person think twice before using the weapon. An example of a situation where this benefit could be realized is if someone takes out the gun or other weapon from a police officer, security guard, soldier, or other individual from their holding device. The signal may, in that split second, help the person reconsider the consequences of their potential actions. Similarly, the signal may serve to warn a person who may find an unattended weapon, as happens periodically when a child finds a parent's firearm and results in a tragic shooting because the child did not know the weapon was loaded and/or did not think thoroughly about the consequences of using the weapon.

The signal preferably is may be activated in “live” situations, as opposed to practice sessions or training so the incidence of the signal would be an unusual sensation that would have the desired effect of causing the individual to realize they are in an unusual situation and should think twice before activating the weapon.

The signal could be a vibration which could be activated if the individual is in a location where there is excessive noise such as a traffic situation, large crowd, riot or other situation where it is too loud to hear an audible signal from the device. The signal could be activated when a gun or other weapon is pulled out of the holster by using a sensor in the form of magnets associated with or in the holster and the sensor senses when the weapon and when the two are separated. This is similar to technology used with mobile phones, tablets, and the like that turn the device on when it is removed from its case. The signal would only need to be slight enough for the individual to sense the signal, and would preferably not be strong enough as to affect the accuracy of any shot or other weapon activation. The signal could be able to be turned off if, for example, the system is in a shooting range or just during practice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention, including a weapon in a holding device, depicted as a holster, and an auxiliary device, depicted as an audio speaker.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to delivering an alarm or warning to a potential shooter once a gun or other weapon is pulled out of a holster or other holding device. One or more portions of the system of the present invention can, for example, vibrate, which would be a signal to the person removing the weapon to consider any consequences before shooting the bullet. In one embodiment, the device could make a noise which could be a voice announcement, such as one that says “think” or a comparable phrase which would make the potential shooter stop for a second and make sure that they were about to make the right decision. The voice could even be a self recorded message by the individual with the weapon or another individual of their choosing which may have the desired effect of causing the individual to think further before activating their weapon.

More specifically, the overall system of the present invention is comprised of at least three main parts, one part preferably located on the holding device of a weapon, such as but not limited to a holster, and another being the weapon itself or a device attached to the weapon. These two parts combine to, at least in part, form a system so as to allow the system of the present invention to be usable to recognize when a weapon has been or is being removed from a holding device. A third part is a sensor, in communication with a processor, where the sensor recognizes movement and the processor, in communication with a signaling element, alerts the signaling element to release an alarm signal. For example, when a firearm is removed from a holster, a signal is activated. This signal may be in the form of a vibration, and/or a noise. This signal may emanate from the weapon, the holding device, and/or an auxiliary device. The signal is a reminder to the individual to consider the consequences of activating a weapon, such as shooting a firearm and potentially killing an individual. An additional portion of the system of the present invention is the signaling or alerting means.

In one embodiment, the portion alerting a user could be incorporated into another device, such as one worn by or associated with a user, such as a mobile phone.

In different embodiments of the present invention, the device is usable with respect to firearms. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is usable with respect to Tasers. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is usable with respect to knives, swords or other sharp devices. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is usable with respect to batons. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is usable with respect to brass knuckles. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is usable with respect to handcuffs. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is usable with respect to grenades. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is usable with respect to other types of explosive devices. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is usable with respect to nun chucks. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is usable with respect to tear gas. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is usable with respect to smoke bombs. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is usable with respect to pepper spray. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is usable with respect to mace. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is usable with respect to crossbows. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is usable with respect to bow and arrows. In all of these embodiments, the common element is a unit that has potential to cause human injury which is stored in some type of storage or holding device and can be removed from the storage or holding device by a person.

In one embodiment of the invention, the holding device is a holster. In one embodiment of the invention, the holding device is a brief case. In one embodiment of the invention, the holding device is a knife cover or knife box. In one embodiment of the invention, the holding device is a bandolier. In one embodiment of the invention, the holding device is a quiver. In one embodiment of the invention, the holding device is a sheath.

In the context of the present invention, the system of the present invention includes a processor based unit which can sense change in position of a weapon (or comparable device) from a storage or holding device and signals such movement. In one embodiment of the invention, the signal is a vibration. In one embodiment of the invention, the signal is a voice. In one embodiment of the invention, the signal is a sound. In one embodiment of the invention, the signal is a light. In one embodiment of the invention, the signal is a message displayed. In one embodiment of the invention, the signal is a poke or a touch. In one embodiment of the invention, the signal is a scent or a gas. In one embodiment of the invention, the signal is a small projection onto the hand or a surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the signal is a temperature change. In one embodiment of the invention, the signal is a visual signal on a surface, screen, projection, or device visible to the user.

In one embodiment of the invention, the holding device is made out of leather. In one embodiment of the invention, the holding device is made out of fabric. In one embodiment of the invention, the holding device is made out of natural and synthetic fibers. In one embodiment of the invention, the holding device is made out of plastic. In one embodiment of the invention, the holding device is made out of metal. In one embodiment of the invention, the holding device is made out of canvas and the like.

In one embodiment of the invention, the signal is activated using magnets in the holding device and/or weapon. In one embodiment of the invention, the signal is activated using a gyroscope in the weapon to know when its position or orientation has changed. In one embodiment of the invention, the signal is activated using a button or other switch in the holding device and when it is pressed or not pressed, it activates the signal. In one embodiment of the invention, the signal is activated using a pressure sensor on the weapon. In one embodiment of the invention, the signal is activated using a pressure sensor on the trigger or similar device on the weapon. In one embodiment of the invention, the signal is activated using sensors, switches, buttons or the like in or on the holder.

In one embodiment of the invention, the signal is emitted from the weapon. In one embodiment of the invention, the signal is emitted from a weapon holding device. In one embodiment of the invention, the signal is emitted from an auxiliary device. In one embodiment of the invention, the signal is emitted from an electronic device.

An example of how the signal could be activated is with the use of magnetic sensors. Magnetic sensors use two magnets. The device of the present invention includes one or more sensors which sense when the magnets have overlapping magnetic field and when they overlap, which is referred to herein as being in the “switch off” position. Technology like this is used in phone and tablet cases where there is one magnet on the cover of the screen and one in the device and when the cover magnet is in range of the other magnet inside of the device, a signal is sent to the phone or tablet that turns it off. Magnetic sensors are used for the detection of positions of devices without contact or wear and tear of the devices. The sensor switches as soon as the magnet has reached the switch-on point. The direction of movement of the magnet is not important. Since magnetic fields penetrate all non-magnetizable materials, the sensors can detect magnets through many different materials.

In another example, the signal could be activated with the use of buttons or switches which, when pushed down, can complete an electrical circuit. When on, a small metal spring inside makes contact with two wires, allowing for flow of electricity. When off, the spring returns to its normal form and the current cannot flow. Similar technology is used in TV remote controls, calculators, and some other devices.

Another example of a signal from the present invention is vibration. The vibrating part of the device could be the same method used in cell phones. In cell phones and other devices, there is a small motor that has an attached rod that rotates when it is activated. Attached to this rod is a small semicircular metal part that, when it rotates, the lopsidedness causes the motor to shake. The motor is connected to the phone so when the motor shakes, the phone shakes with it, causing a vibration.

Another example of a signal from the present invention is a tactile sensation such as a poke. The poke could be activated using hydraulic technology. Similar technology is used in car brakes. When you step on the brake, a liquid is pumped into. As the brakes are pushed down, a lever pushes a piston into a narrow cylinder filled with hydraulic brake fluid. As the piston moves into the cylinder, it squeezes hydraulic fluid out of the end. The brake fluid squirts down a long, thin pipe until it reaches another cylinder at the wheel, which is much wider. When the fluid enters the cylinder, it pushes the piston in the wider cylinder with greatly increased force. The piston pushes the brake pad toward the brake disc. When the brake pad touches the brake disc, friction between the two generates heat. The friction slows down the outer wheel and tire, stopping the car. A similar technology could be used to activate a poke to the shooter.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the user can be poked, such as by a dull or sharp object as the tactile approach. Such a poke could be sourced from the holder or could be sourced from another location (in communication, preferably wireless, with the holder, weapon, sensor, processor, or alarming element) attached to a wearer's clothing or body.

Another example of a signal from the present invention is a change in temperature that the individual could sense. It could use a similar technology as electronic blankets. The way that an electronic blanket works is with an electric current that passes through a wire in the blanket that generates heat. The wire is put in a serpentine pattern in the blanket so that the whole blanket heats up. In the invention, the handle could heat up rapidly.

Another example of a signal from the present invention is with an audible sound. A speaker works by converting electrical signals into sound. A diaphragm moves back and forth, which makes the sound. An electric current is sent through a coil that changes creates an electromagnet with constantly changing polar orientations, which moves the diaphragm back and forth and it vibrates, which creates sound.

Another example of a signal from the present invention is a release of a scent or gas. It could be similar technology to electronic air fresheners. When the air fresheners see that someone is walking by, they release scent by building up pressure and letting out a little bit of the scented gas into the air. When the weapon is pulled out of its holding device, it could send the signal to send out the gas, which would act as a symbol for thinking before using the weapon.

The device signal could be from an auxiliary device, meaning that upon removal of a weapon from a holding device, a signal is sent to a third or auxiliary device, and it is the auxiliary device that actually provides a signal to the individual. The signal could be sent to the auxiliary device, such as an ear plug, or a wearable device. Similar technology is used in a printer, the computer sends a signal to the printer and the printer receives the signal and it does what the computer told it to do. The auxiliary device could be worn separately by the individual or combined or attached to a garment, device or other piece of equipment of the individual.

FIG. 1 is of a weapon 1, which is a firearm in this case, a holding device 2, which is a holster in this case, and an auxiliary device 9, which is an audio speaker in this case. An activation device 3 is on weapon 1, which is a magnet in this case. A corresponding activation device 4, which in another magnet, is on holding device 2. When the two activation devices 3 and 4 are separated, when the weapon 1 is taken out of the holding device 2, a signal is sent from the transmitter 5 to a signaling device which may be on the weapon, as depicted with item 6, or on the holding device, as depicted with item 7, or on an auxiliary device 9, as depicted with item 8. The signaling device 6, 7, 8 will then produce a signal to the individual. 

1. A system for signaling the movement or release of a weapon from a weapon holder comprising: a movement sensor embedded in the combination of a weapon and a holder of said weapon; a processor; and an alerting element; wherein upon said sensor sensing positive indication of movement or release of said weapon from said holder, said alerting element delivers an alert that said movement or release has occurred.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said sensor comprises a set of magnets.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein said sensor is a contact-based sensor.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said alerting element delivers an alert by physical contact with a person.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein said alerting element delivers an audible alert.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein said processor is programmed to include a delay circuit for delaying discharge of said weapon and upon said processor receiving indication of movement or release of said weapon, said processor precludes said weapon from being discharged until after a delay.
 7. The system of claim 1, where said indication is limited to release of a weapon from said holder.
 8. A weapon storage device for storing a weapon comprising: a sensor; an alerting element; and a processor in communication with said sensor and said alerting element; wherein upon said sensor sensing positive indication of weapon movement from within said storage device, said alerting element delivers an alert that said movement has occurred.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein said sensor comprises a set of magnets.
 10. The device of claim 8, wherein said sensor is a contact-based sensor.
 11. The device of claim 8, wherein said alerting element delivers an alert by physical contact with a person.
 12. The device of claim 8, wherein said alerting element delivers an audible alert.
 13. The device of claim 8, wherein said processor is programmed to include a delay circuit for delaying discharge of said weapon and, upon said processor receiving indication of movement or release of said weapon said processor precludes said weapon from being discharged until after a delay.
 14. The device of claim 8, where said indication of movement is limited to release of said weapon from said weapon storage device.
 15. A method for a processor to alert a user that a weapon is being moved from within a weapon storage device comprising the steps of: from a sensor, receiving data indicating sensed movement of a weapon relative to its storage device; and directing delivery of a positive alert by an alerting element to a user that said weapon is being moved.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said sensor comprises a set of magnets.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein said sensor is a contact-based sensor.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein said alerting element is a physical element for physically interacting with a user.
 19. The method of claim 15, further including the step of said processor, programmed to include a delay circuit for delaying discharge of said weapon, upon receiving indication of movement or release of said weapon from said storage device precluding said weapon from being discharged until after a delay.
 20. The method of claim 15, where said movement is limited to release of a weapon from said storage device. 